Dance Link

An International Contemporary Dance Residence Project

Zodiak – Center for New Dance and HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme cooperate together in 2011–2012 in an international contemporary dance residence project DANCE LINK.

DANCE LINK is a two-year pilot project of creative artist residencies in contemporary dance. The project combines high-quality working conditions for the artists; production, presentation and touring possibilities of dance works; audience development, outreach and community involvement.

Zodiak is in charge of the artistic content and international partners for the project. HIAP is in charge of organising the Helsinki residencies.

In autumn 2011, international DANCE LINK artists in Helsinki are Mart Kangro from Tallinn, and Angela Schubot and Jared Gradinger from Berlin. Kangro’s new creation, which has its premiere during the Helsinki residency, is co-produced by Zodiak – Center for New Dance, Kanuti Gildi Saal and Helsinki Festival. Schubot and Gradinger work together with Finnish dance artists in an artists’ laboratory, have a public showing in their Open Studio event, and perform their duet work on tour in several cities in Finland.

In 2012, DANCE LINK artists are the renowned Japanese choreographer Kosei Sakamoto and German choreographer Thomas Lehmen, who is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most innovative and forward-thinking dance artists of recent years. Zodiak – Center for New Dance co-produces and presents the new creations of Sakamoto and Lehmen, created in the Helsinki residencies along with Finnish dancers.